Search form

Search form

Pennies made later than 1982 contain zinc, which is toxic for dogs and cats if ingested, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. A Colorado dog died recently from the effects of a single penny that she ingested along with a quarter. Once absorbed, zinc harms red blood cells, leading to symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of appetite, red urine and jaundice. "Zinc toxicosis is more commonly seen in dogs, but cats can get sick from eating pennies, too," said veterinarian Rebecca Jackson. "Be sure to bank your spare change before curious pets can get their paws on it -- and if they do, get them to the emergency vet immediately."

Related Summaries

Dog owners should read food labels and keep their dogs away from anything containing xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum, candy and even some nut butters, according to University of Tennessee veterinarian Angela Witzel. In dogs, xylitol ingestion stimulates an insulin surge in the bloodstream, driving blood glucose to dangerously low levels, which causes lethargy, seizures and even death, Dr. Witzel says. If a dog has eaten something with xylitol, Dr. Witzel says owners should rub syrup on the animal's gums to get sugar into the animal's bloodstream quickly and then seek immediate veterinary care.

Ingesting pennies carries a high health cost for dogs, writes veterinarian Lee Pickett, pointing out that the zinc core of pennies made since 1983 is toxic to dogs. Pennies are rapidly dissolved by stomach acid, leading to the release of zinc into the body where it causes life-threatening anemia, vomiting, lethargy and more. Dr. Pickett also explains the possible causes for a cat's bad breath, including dental problems, diabetes, kidney disease and oral cancer, as well as diet.

A bill designating shelter dogs and cats as the official state pets of Colorado has been approved by lawmakers and is awaiting the signature of Gov. John Hickenlooper. Schoolchildren in the state proposed the idea.

Pennies made later than 1982 contain zinc, which is toxic for dogs and cats if ingested, according to the AVMA. A Colorado dog died recently from the effects of a single penny that she ingested along with a quarter. Once absorbed, zinc harms red blood cells, leading to symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of appetite, red urine and jaundice. "Zinc toxicosis is more commonly seen in dogs, but cats can get sick from eating pennies, too," said veterinarian Rebecca Jackson. "Be sure to bank your spare change before curious pets can get their paws on it -- and if they do, get them to the emergency vet immediately."

Antifreeze, even in small amounts, can prove toxic for pets and may cause them to exhibit lethargy, vomiting, seizures and other signs. "The most important thing to know about antifreeze is you have a really narrow window for treatment," one veterinarian says, adding that the antidote should be given within eight hours of ingestion for dogs and within three hours for cats.